2011:  2nd AG and 25th overall at Branson 70.3, ITU World Championship qualifier

16 weeks from my goal race I hurt my knee at KS 70.3. I had surgery 4 weeks later and really couldn’t come up with a plan to be able to complete (meaning participate in) a hilly 120k bike and 30k run after 6 weeks off, in just 12 weeks. I was also leaving for a 3-week vacation. I decided I needed some serious coaching.

My knee isn’t my only issue; I’m complicated, but Joe agreed to get me there.  I solemnly swore to my husband I would follow directions and not do my own thing. For those who know me that is no small feat! Due to my knee, illness, a diving injury and my generally crazy life, Joe constantly needed to tweak and update workouts.

I met my goal, did well racing for Team USA at World’s and in the intervening weeks qualified for 70.3 World’s, with a top 25 finish at 70.3 Branson bettering my time from 2010 and PR‘d at Halfmax with a top 15 finish, qualifying for Long Course World’s. Oh, did I mention I had a lot of fun. My husband says I was the only one smiling and waving at World’s.  If you’re trained for something it really shouldn’t be miserable. Joe’s training provided that.

I learned a lot working with Joe especially with my bike training. I have a power meter but never used it like I did. Once my knee recovers, biking should be even better but in spite of my recovering knee and muscles my biking was back at pre injury level in less than 1 month. I’ve had problems finding tolerable nutrition for long races and Joe helped me make some big strides there as well.  My run came a lot further than I ever thought it could for such a short time.

Joe asked me to work a lot harder than I’m accustomed to. I had visions of nasty college practices but it wasn’t that grueling. Most workouts were actually fun. They were all within my abilities and built a level of confidence that helped when I got to races.

Joe was responsive and approachable. He addressed my questions quickly and I had loads of them. He was able to work around all my quirks and myriads of prior injuries without aggravating any one of them. It was a very positive experience. I certainly would do it again but I can skip the crazy accident part. Thanks Joe! Now you have me thinking about next year. I’ve never been this organized about racing, I mean participating, before!